Tennis great Roger Federer penned a heartfelt note for his good friend and biggest rival on the court, Rafael Nadal, ahead of his farewell event, the Davis Cup. The Spaniard has battled several injuries over the past few years, which forced him to decide to bid adieu to the tennis. However, there is still some uncertainty over his participation in the Davis Cup. He was often regarded as the King of Clay, considering his dominance in the French Open.
Nadal won his first major title in 2005 at his maiden French Open, two days after turning 19. He won his last, a 14th Roland Garros, 17 years later. He amassed 92 titles and was a two-time Olympic gold medalist despite playing in an era which also boasted Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the two other members of tennis’s dominant “Big Three” for more a decade.
Federer poured his heart out while penning a note for Nadal where he wrote about facing the Spaniard in different phases of his career.
“As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional. Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far. change the size of my racquet head, I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your hair, adjusting your underwear… Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing—it was so you. game even more. After the 2004 Australian Open, I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly.”
“All that buzz I’d been hearing about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday—it wasn’t just hype. We were both at the start of our journey and it’s One we ended up taking together, Rafa. What an incredible run you’ve had! You made the whole tennis world proud. Keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay. Always cracking each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies. “
“Actually, I kind of invited myself. I knew you were too polite to insist on me being there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for kids around the world, and Mirka and I are So glad that our children have all trained at your academies. Although I always worried my kids would come home playing tennis. Cup in 2022. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role. In your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next. Rafa that! Best always, your fan, Roger,” read the statement.
